What benefits can I claim if I rent my home?
If you are working age and rent from a council, housing association or private landlord, help with rent is usually the housing element of Universal Credit, not a new Housing Benefit claim. Housing Benefit still matters for many people over State Pension age and for some supported or temporary housing.
Council tax is separate. Claim Council Tax Reduction from your council, or Rate Relief in Northern Ireland. If there is still a shortfall, Discretionary Housing Payment is extra, limited and discretionary.
Benefits this usually points to
Universal Credit
A monthly payment to help with living costs if you are on a low income, out of work, or cannot work. It can include amounts for housing, children, disability, and caring.
Housing Benefit
Help towards rent if you are on a low income. Most working-age people now claim housing costs through Universal Credit instead. Housing Benefit still applies in some situations, including many people of State Pension age.
Council Tax Reduction
Help from your local council if you are on a low income and need to pay council tax. Each council runs its own scheme, so the rules and amounts vary.
Rate Relief
Help with domestic rates in Northern Ireland if you are on a low income. This is the Northern Ireland equivalent of Council Tax Reduction. Working-age people on Universal Credit usually claim Rate Rebate; Housing Benefit and Rate Relief still apply for many people of State Pension age.
Discretionary Housing Payment
Extra, limited help from your council toward a rent shortfall if you already get Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit. It is discretionary, not an entitlement, and budgets run out.
Check what may apply in your circumstances
It usually takes about 5 minutes. You do not need to create an account. This is guidance, not a government decision.
Local Housing Allowance and the benefit cap
Private renters on Universal Credit are usually limited by Local Housing Allowance rates for the area. The benefit cap can also reduce the overall award. A Discretionary Housing Payment is sometimes used as a short-term bridge. None of those calculations is something Benefit Badger can finish without your council’s figures.
Other circumstances
- What benefits can I claim if I have a disability?
- What benefits can I claim as a carer?
- What benefits can I claim over State Pension age?
- What benefits can I claim on a low income?
- What benefits can I claim if I am unemployed?
- What benefits can I claim as a single parent?
- What benefits can I claim if I am pregnant?
- What benefits can I claim if I am self-employed?
This is independent guidance. Only the relevant government department can confirm eligibility. How we source and verify.